SOUTH Ribble MP David Borrow has launched a crusade to halt the demise of hundreds of independently owned petrol stations across the country.

Dozens of sites across Preston and South Ribble have been abandoned by their owners in the face of competition from the multi-national oil conglomerates.

Mr Borrow is one of a number of MPs calling for an investigation into what he describes as the 'grossly unfair' conditions imposed on independent petrol forecourt operators.

Around 2,500 have gone out of business over the past two years.

Trade and Industry secretary Stephen Byers is being asked to investigate, said Mr Borrow, who says the small firm's demise is often to the detriment of the local community.

But one community which is set to benefit from the loss of its petrol station is the one in which Mr Borrow lives, in Fulwood, Preston.

The site of a former BP garage, in Garstang Road, is to be turned into a take-away after planning committee chiefs in Preston gave their backing to the scheme.

Despite concerns over litter and noise, the applicant was given permission to operate between 9am-11.30pm, allowing him to catch trade after the nearby Black Bull pub had closed.

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